Heat Pump Electrical Requirements: Everything You Need to Know

Author: Tim Moegen
April 22, 2025 - 6 MIN. READ

Key Takeaways:

• Heat pumps have surpassed gas furnaces in popularity.

• It’s an exciting opportunity for electrical contractors who can partner with HVAC businesses to provide heat pump wiring services.

• To properly wire a heat pump, you should be mindful of NEC requirements and watch out for common mistakes.

With 4.1 million units sold in 2024, heat pumps are now more popular than gas furnaces.

What does it mean for electrical contractors? As more homeowners and businesses upgrade to this energy-efficient heating and cooling solution, some exciting business opportunities exist to explore.

Heat pumps reduce heating and cooling costs but still require professional wiring, even though they use less electricity.

Here’s what wiring heat pumps entails and a few tips to help you get started in this market.

Basic Electrical Considerations for Wiring Heat Pumps

Did you know heat pumps can use 75% less electricity than electric furnaces or baseboard heaters? It’s no surprise that homeowners and the commercial buildings of tomorrow are adopting them to slash their energy costs (by $300 a year on average for most homes).

Plus, incentives make heat pumps particularly appealing, and it’s now easier than ever to find contractors who install and maintain them.

All the conditions are here to create a booming market, and now is the perfect time to learn more about HVAC wiring.

Dedicated 240V Circuit and Adequate Wiring

Heat pumps require a dedicated 240V circuit with proper wiring to the main panel. For most residential models, you’ll need to use size 12 or 14 wires.

Ampacity and Breaker Requirements

Specific electrical requirements will vary based on a heat pump’s capacity. In most cases, residential models range between 1 and 5 tons, translating to 20 and 50 amps.

Heat pump circuits fall under the continuous loads category for circuit sizing purposes. This means that the 80% rule from the National Electric Code applies, and you’ll have to install a breaker that exceeds the heat pump’s amperage by at least 20%.

Load Calculations

As an electrical contractor, you’re uniquely positioned to share your expertise on load calculations.

While a 20-amp heat pump can coexist with other circuits on a standard 100-amp panel, a 50-amp heat pump could easily require a panel upgrade or at least a load-shedding solution that prioritizes heating and cooling over other circuits.

Common Heat Pump Installation Mistakes to Avoid

Getting into the heat pump market can feel like navigating uncharted territory. But with some upskilling and a partnership with an HVAC contractor, you’ll be on your way to offering a successful heat pump service in no time and building a more resilient trades business.

We’ve compiled a cheat sheet to help you avoid the most common heat pump installation mistakes.

Location, Location, Location

Where you install a heat pump matters; the most common kind of heat pump is an air-source model, and it needs plenty of airflow to transfer heat effectively.

The best place for air-source heat pumps is outdoors, preferably in a shaded spot away from obstacles that could limit airflow.

Proper Cycling

Adjusting a heat pump’s operating temperature so that the appliance cycles two to three times per hour, each lasting 10 to 20 minutes, will yield the most energy savings.

Choosing the Right Heat Pump

A new heat pump is an investment that should last 15 to 20 years. To guarantee this kind of longevity, choosing heating and cooling systems from reputable manufacturers is crucial.

Once you have narrowed a client’s options to quality Energy Star appliances, you should look into capacity. Aiming for 1 ton per 500 square feet is a good rule of thumb, but consider that factors like a home’s layout or occupancy can affect heat pump capacity.

HVAC Wiring and Line Sets

After installing the outdoor unit, you’ll have to run wire connecting it to an indoor circuit, and line sets that go to an indoor air handler.

These two connections are where mistakes often happen. Keep in mind that this electrical connection requires:

• A protected and sealed enclosure.
• The proper wire gauge.
• Wire-rated for outdoor use.
• A junction box if splicing is needed.
• A disconnect switch near the outdoor unit.

Safety and Compliance Regulations

Are you unsure where to start with heat pump upskilling? Reviewing existing safety and compliance standards is a great first step.

National Electric Code (NEC)

Head to Article 440 of the NEC for a comprehensive overview of how to safely wire heat pumps. You’ll learn about:

• The 80% rule for breakers.
• Compliance requirements for safety disconnects.
• Wire and conductor sizing.
• Overcurrent and ground-fault protection for the heat pump circuit.

Brush up on your local building code as well, and don’t forget to check the best installation and wiring practices from the heat pump manufacturer.

Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER) Standards

The Department of Energy updated the standards for residential heat pumps, which now need a 14.3 SEER2 rating.

Reading up on the SEER rating system will help guide customers as they choose a heat pump.

Save on Electrical Supplies for Heat Pump Installation with Raiven

Want to know the secret to hitting the ground running with this opportunity? Get your buying process in shape before entering the heat pump market.

Raiven is here to help:

• Thanks to Raiven's buying power, you can get all the supplies you need to wire heat pumps (wiring, breakers, disconnect switches, and more) for 7 to 30% less.
• The Raiven marketplace is a convenient platform where you can order everything. You save time and get instant visibility over a project’s total cost (for fast and accurate quotes).
• Raiven works with industry-leading suppliers and vets them for you. You have access to quality supplies with no due diligence on your part.

Final Tips for Electrical Contractors

Heat pumps are an exciting opportunity for growth. Before you enter this market, take the time to brush up on your skills and read up on the NEC and other requirements.

You should also contact HVAC contractors in your area. For heat pump projects, you can work together as an installation team and focus on wiring while an HVAC expert handles the rest.

Lastly, look into better buying with Raiven to streamline this important process and offer fast and accurate quotes to customers interested in heat pumps.